The government of India will take a decision about the fate of Bihar governor Buta Singh on January 27, a day after Republic Day.

National Democratic Alliance leaders had called on President A P J Abdul Kalam to demand the resignation of Buta Singh, following adverse comments by the Supreme Court of India in its judgement. The Constitution bench had pulled up the Bihar Governor for misleading the Union government and recommending dissolution of Bihar state assembly.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil told newsmen that he had not been able to study the full text of the three separate judgements given in this case and would be able to get back to the newsmen only after that.

"The judgement is more than 400 pages and I have read only half of it. I will get back to you on January 27 and we will take a decision one way or the other after consultating with others," he said.

• Just who took on Buta Singh?

Patil had called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi [Images] earlier on Wednesday.

There were speculations that Buta Singh's exit could come any moment, as he had arrogantly said that he would take the salute on Republic Day in Patna.

Senior Congress leaders told rediff.com that the Bihar governor wanted an honourable exit and had asked for time till January 27 to tender his resignation, instead of facing dismissal. "Where is the hurry whether he goes today or on Friday," said a senior Congress leader.

When contacted, Raj Bhavan officials in Patna confirmed that the Governor had not tendered his resignation and would take the salute of the march-past in the capital.